Pretty self-explanatory. This method has much less room for error than my previous method.

Basically, a lead “screw” I laid out and cut by hand attached to my blank via a coupler I made. I made it octagonal so it looks like a nut. The lead screw uses the same “false nut” the tap uses to advance the whole thing at the proper rate.

Some pics:The “machine”:

The coupler:

Where the action happens:

So what’s the verdict? These are the best results so far. Quite acceptable. I mangled my first blank but I made some adjustments cutting the second screw and it went a lot better. On one part of the second screw I cut it incrementally and I think that helped a lot. The ability to do so is one of the strengths of this jig.

RESULTS:Here is the good side of the screw:

And the rougher sides:

Not horrible, I don’t think. I can file and sand a lot of that out.

And here is the bottom line…. does it fit the leg I tapped? hallelujah!

I’ll run a couple more screws before moving on but I think I have what I need to make my vise. I’ll make some more adjustments to see if I can’t eliminate more of the chatter I’m getting.

Another great thing about this jig is I made it to fit the dowels I order online. All I have to do is drop a blank in and start cranking. After that I need to make and attach a hub that I’ll turn.

Thanks for the faith Terry, its actually was quite simple. All I had to do was make a bunch of pieces of wood with holes through them glue and nail them to a base. (not counting the lead screw and guide block) Once my Bench is nice and flat I wont even need the box beam, I’ll just clamp it all to my bench. Then it will just be about 6 guide pieces that need to be stowed away.